One of the biggest questions heading into this NFL offseason was what would happen with Aaron Rodgers. Coming out of a disappointing 2024 campaign, Rodgers staying with the Jets, becoming a free agent or retiring seemed to all be on the table. After hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to be the team’s […]
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The New Orleans Saints are building their staff after hiring Kellen Moore as their new head coach, and they just got a new defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “The Saints are hiring former Chargers coach Brandon Staley as the defensive coordinator for coach Kellen Moore, per The Insiders. Staley was an assistant […]
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San Antonio Spurs TV color commentator and former player Sean Elliott reminisced over a legendary dinner with Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama. Surrounded by some of the franchise’s all-time greats, such as Hall of Fame center David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, it was a dinner in San Antonio before Victor played his first game. […]
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Although much of the attention on the Dallas Mavericks in the wake of the Luka Doncic trade has been negative, Max Christie has proven to be a valuable addition to the team — so much so that there has been speculation he would supplant Klay Thompson in the starting lineup. In an increased role since […]
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MARION BARTOLI has relived her own Wimbledon harassment hell in the wake of Emma Raducanu’s terrifying episode with a stalker.
France’s 2013 Wimbledon champion has talked about being targeted by a man 18 years ago while competing in UK tennis tournaments.
As she made the singles final on SW19 grounds for the first time in 2007 – she was beaten in the Centre Court final by Venus Williams – it was amid a backdrop of being followed and targeted by a fixated individual.
It comes as Raducanu, 22, burst into tears on court in Dubai after feeling terrified by the presence of a guy in the stands who had approached her the day before.
Bartoli, 40, said: “Someone just followed me through the whole grass season in 2007.
“I played Birmingham and Eastbourne and that person found a way to get into the grounds, behaving like a ball kid and a groundsman.
“He found a way to purchase the same kit and get himself into my court as a groundsperson.
“And I sort of recognised him. It was from my first-round match against Flavia Pennetta.
“I pointed out straight away to the All England Club and the organisation of the tournament to say that he was not a groundsperson, he was not working there.
“He was someone who had been stalking me for three weeks. And they found a way to get his identity and get rid of him and put his picture on all the entrances of the All England Club.
“When you’re in that environment, it can feel very, very stressful. And I was very young back then.
“I was 22 years old as well, and I remember just getting on the court and saying to my dad, that person does not have the right to be on my courts.
“That’s the only time I experienced it to that close degree, which I think is a bit similar to what Emma has experienced.
“Even though that guy didn’t insult me, he was really, really stalking me.”
On Monday, Raducanu was approached by the obsessed stranger in the UAE city – he asked for a photo and gave her a note.
And then on Tuesday night, she hid behind the umpire’s chair when she recognised him watching her second-round defeat to Karolina Muchova from the front rows of the stands.
The stalker was arrested by Dubai Police and though Raducanu dropped all charges, he has since signed a restraining order to keep away from her in the future.
Bartoli said: “It’s very disturbing to see those kinds of images, and very worrying as well.
“I was extremely proud of Emma for continuing to play and willing to give it a go, and willing to try to fight as much as she could despite the circumstances.
“But it’s very difficult when you get targeted like this.
“It’s very difficult for the WTA to have the control of people who can come into the gate without any tickets, which is the case in Dubai.
“When you come and sit on those outside courts, you don’t even need to purchase a ticket. You don’t even need to give an identity to get into the stands.
“And therefore, anyone can come in and behave that way.
“So I’m not sure how the WTA can prevent that. But I hope they will in the future.
“For Emma to stay on that court, to keep fighting, against a very good opponent, it was such a great effort.”
LIAM Payne’s close pal Roger Nores breathed a huge sigh of relief this week after having his manslaughter charge over the singer’s death dropped.
But in another unedifying twist in the tragedy, the US-Argentine businessman has vowed to continue his £8.1 million defamation lawsuit against Liam’s grieving dad Geoff.
He even says he does not feel bad for doing so – and that he will only drop the claim once he gets an apology.
Roger, 35, filed the claim in the US in January suing Geoff for defamation – claiming he made “false” statements to investigators following Liam’s death in Argentina on October 16 last year.
Geoff is said to have told authorities that Roger was part of a “care group” for Liam – who “could not be left alone in the vulnerable position in which he was”.
Roger had seen One Direction star Liam, 31, three times on the day he fell 45ft from his third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.
He left Liam at the hotel around 40 minutes before he fell – and in December he was charged with manslaughter, accused of being negligent by leaving his friend.
But on Wednesday, Roger and two others – the hotel’s chief receptionist Esteban Grassi and its security boss Gilda Martin – had their raps dropped following an appeal.
Now Roger is insistent on pursuing his case against Geoff – despite the pain he is suffering after losing his son.
Asked if he feels bad about doing so, he told The Sun: “So the answer is: no, definitely not. I don’t feel bad.
“Geoff is a good person, right, and he was going through a lot… and it’s a human reaction and is understandable.
“Imagine losing a child? Whatever I went through, losing a friend, he probably went through something that is like a million times worse.
“So you can never judge a person.
“But obviously, one thing is because you are angry with what happened and you want to blame someone, because deep down you blame yourself.
“That’s a reality that happens to all of us.
“We all – all the people that were around Liam – we blame ourselves.
“I blame myself. I find myself walking down the street and going, ‘I never told him this… maybe if I had a conversation, he would’ve changed or this would’ve helped him’.
“So we all feel guilty, and we all blame ourselves.
“But obviously what happened to Geoff is, he came here after his son had passed away… he was talking to a prosecutor then he went like this: ‘Oh, Roger’s responsibility, he was supposed to be his caretaker’.
“So the lawsuit’s here until they apologise and then I think, hopefully, we can all put this behind us and continue leading our lives and say goodbye to Liam without fighting with each other.”
Roger said he “100 per cent” will not drop the case until he gets a sorry, adding: “I’m sure I’ll get one.”
Roger and Liam became pals in 2020 after meeting at a party hosted by former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful in London.
They hit it off, spending a lot of time together in the US.
Roger was reported to have been Liam’s manager at one point – something he has always denied.
In his final days, Liam went to see his old One Direction bandmate Niall Horan in concert in Argentina along with Roger.
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
Roger last spoke to Geoff on the day Liam died – and he was reportedly “not welcome” at Liam’s funeral in the UK in November.
Liam’s old One Direction bandmates Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik were among those who gathered to say a final farewell.
Roger, speaking from Buenos Aires, said: “Honestly, I don’t even want to talk about it. It wasn’t a great day.
“I haven’t yet processed my emotions to be honest. I’m still trying to trick myself into thinking that he’s still there somewhere and I just haven’t seen him in a while.
“That’s how I cope with death. That’s my own way of grieving.”
Roger’s charge was dropped by three appeal judges – but two other men, waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz, 24, and hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra, 21 – lost their bids to have their raps of supplying drugs to Liam dropped.
Following the appeal, a 35-page court document revealed fresh details about Liam’s final hours.
He is said to have had a threesome with two prostitutes who say they saw him inhaling a “crystal-like” drug in his hotel room.
The papers state Liam contacted Aldana Serrano, 31, and Lucila Goitea, 27, on a website for sex workers.
They are said to have spent two and a half hours with him from 11.30am, with Liam drinking whiskey and apparently asking them to get him more drugs.
Toxicology tests showed Liam had alcohol and drugs including pink cocaine – a mixture of ketamine, MDMA and crystal meth – in his system.
Roger said his last words to Liam that day were simply “I will see you in a bit” – to which Liam simply replied: “OK.”
He refuses to discuss details of what happened that day and speaks with little emotion in his voice when talking about anything to do with the tragedy.
But Roger says he has probably cried “500 times” thinking about what happened.
He said of being accused of manslaughter: “I knew – everybody knew – that I was gonna get cleared because everything was so ridiculous.
“I was never worried about the end result. I always knew it was gonna be fine.
“But when you look back, it was over in just four months, and there are a lot of people that go through a lot worse.”
After being charged, Roger was not allowed to leave Argentina.
He now wants to travel back to the US and eventually to the UK to say a proper goodbye to Liam.
Roger said: “Whenever I’m strong enough and brave enough I’m gonna head over to the UK and say goodbye to my friend.
“Liam and I, we clicked. I feel that we had a similar approach towards life. Neither of us took the world too seriously.
“We always liked having fun, even though we have really different styles – it’s well-documented that I don’t drink alcohol, I’ve never tried a drug in my life.
“We were able to communicate because Liam, underneath all of his problems, he was still an amazing person and he was always that person.
“It didn’t matter whether he was partying or having a proper workout in the gym, he was still the same person.
“It was honestly a privilege being able to spend that much time with him.
“I still think about stuff he said to me, like pieces of advice he gave me.
“He was really brilliant in so many ways. Not just on his music, not just on his art, but also logically brilliant.
“He was a guy who really understood people and really appreciated life.”
He added: “I feel like he helped me through a really rough time with my life and I think I was helping him as well.
“Obviously it ended up in a tragedy, but I feel like it was a great relationship.”
A FORMER ally of Alex Salmond has called for his “vision” of a new Scots town called Independence to be reignited.
Chris McEleny, who was a close aide to the late ex-First Minister, claimed the pair had drawn up plans for the town to be based somewhere between Edinburgh and the North East.
And he said that “now is the right time” to make the idea a reality, with Mr Salmond having died from a heart attack in October last year.
Mr McEleny said: “Alex Salmond and I had a vision for a new Scottish town and we could think of no better name than Independence.
“Scotland has an abundance of renewable energy potential. At the moment the Westminster plan is to cable most of that energy south with no benefit to Scotland.
“What we should be doing is using that energy to attract the industries of today and tomorrow to Scotland by using the incentive of cheaper energy anywhere else in Europe.
“Such an influx of highly skilled jobs would require the industries, the labour force and the infrastructure to all be mutually beneficial to each other – that is why a new town would make sense.
“A new Scottish town has not been designated since not long after the Second World War, now is the right time to begin a discussion to make a town called Independence a reality.”
Earlier this month, we told how Mr McEleny was suspended by the Alba Party over claims of “gross misconduct” – which he has denied.
A party source said Mr McEleny was stood down on January 1 for “disobeying direct instructions” from leadership and for “obstructing party office bearers from carrying out their duties”.
The idea for a new town was panned by political rivals who suggested Scots would give the proposal “short shrift”.
Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: “This ludicrous suggestion is on a par with Ash Regan’s infamous independence thermometer.
“Scots have made it clear they are sick and tired of nationalists pushing independence at every turn and will give this back of a fag packet idea short shrift.
“This desperate stunt shows how out of touch Alba are with what Scots are really concerned about right now, who would have no desire to move to this fantasy town.”
Five new towns have been built across Scotland since the end of the war in some of the country's biggest cities.
They include:
They quickly became associated with poor planning and architecture having been constructed quickly and through the use of unattractive grey conrete.
Plans for a new sixth town at Stonehouse in South Lanarkshire were also drawn up in the 1970s, but those plans were scrapped in 1976 with just 96 houses built to completion.
A new town called Blindwells is currently under construction next to the A1 near Prestonpans in East Lothian.
A TOP chef who appeared on BBC has been forced to shut his beloved pizza restaurant after admitting financial struggles.
The Manchester-based restaurateur said it was “impossible for us to make money anymore” with COVID-19 restrictions.
Dokes pizzeria in Prestwich is sadly shutting up shop after three years of serving Italian classics as well as a highly-rated roast dinner.
Chef and owner Michael Clay shared his disappointment on BBC Radio 5 Live where he revealed the venue, which opened in 2022, faced over 100,000 cancelations due to the pandemic.
Michael, who owns the Enecot in Ancoats, which also runs Dokes, had urged customers to warn them in advance to combat no-shows and offered outdoor seating to those who wanted it.
He said the knock-on impact of these cancellations was “massive,” and affected everything from the staff rota to food waste.
Dokes was regarded as one of the top independents in the area and it’s loyal customer base was gutted to see it go.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dokes announced the closure to Prestwich residents.
The post read: “After nearly 3 years of trying our hardest, unfortunately we’re going to have to call it a day.
“Having originally taken on the premises in between the two lockdowns (remember them?!), we’ve been extremely proud of what we have achieved under sometimes unbelievably difficult circumstances.
“Our staff have been the cornerstone of this and we would like to thank them for all of their hard work.
“The feedback we have received over the past couple of years on their food, service and hospitality has been absolutely incredible and we are extremely grateful for the hard work they have put in and the commitment they have shown.”
Dokes opened up as a small pizza restaurant but then soared in popularity after it revealed a popular roast dinner dish on the menu.
The post continued: “We feel like we have created a product that you have absolutely loved and a space that you have enjoyed coming to and we now really feel like a part of the Prestwich community – and for that we can’t thank you enough!
“You came for the pizzas and stayed for the roasts and it’s been a lot of fun.”
“Try as we might though, it’s just not been possible for us to make the money required for the size of team needed to run as a pizza restaurant.
The venue claimed that it was simply not able to operate at the same that it could of before the pandemic.
Despite leaving customers devastated, Dokes said they have new plans in the works.
“We are a small restaurant and the margins that were there pre-Covid are not achievable anymore at this scale and only getting tighter month on month,” Dokes revealed.
“So it is with a heavy heart that we are closing the door on this chapter BUT…we aren’t going to be leaving you completely.
“We have plans for the place which we will be updating you about very soon so please watch this space for more details. We hope you’re going to love it.
“As Dokes, Sunday 9th March will be our final service so please come down over the next couple of weeks, grab a pizza or a roast and say hello. It would be lovely to see you all.
“Bookings are open and the cellar is stocked so lets fill the little place up and go out with a bang!”
Pizza-fans and Prestwich foodies responded to the post saying they were “absolutely gutted! and were “so sorry to hear this.”
The pandemic isn’t the only factor that has been affecting the hospitality industry of late.
The cost of living crisis, an increase in bills, and a rise in rent, has led to fewer Brits splashing the cash.
Without as much disposable income, fewer customers pour money into hospitality making it difficult to sustain.
It was revealed that six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
UFC bigwig Dana White was pitched a “crazy” champion-versus-champion fight by his good friend Joe Rogan before making a huge announcement.
MMA’s premier promotion has only staged seven champ-vs-champ fights in its near 32-year-long history.
The most recent saw dominant lightweight king Islam Makhachev brutally knock out his former featherweight counterpart Alexander Volkanovski in October 2023.
Makhachev has been linked with a move up in weight to challenge for welterweight gold.
But veteran UFC commentator Rogan wants to see the Dagestani defend his belt against current 145lbs champion Ilia Topuria next.
During a recent episode of his Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, he said: “As crazy as it sounds, I hope Ilia goes up to 155. I really do.
“Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes at 145, Ilia goes up to 155. I don’t care if he only defended the title one time or didn’t.
“Who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f****ing go.”
Many, including former welterweight title holder Matt Serra, want to see Topuria bank a few more title defences before moving up in weight.
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But Rogan dismissed the notion put forward by his good friend, saying: “Yeah, it’d be nice.
“But also who cares? Let’s go. Let’s f***ing go.”
“If you want to make that big fight in July, is it the Volkanovski rematch?
“I don’t know. I think people want to see Volkanovski win one.”
Georgian-born Spaniard Topuria became the king of the featherweights last February with a sensational second-round KO of Volkanovski at UFC 298.
He racked up his first title defence in equally as devastating fashion last October, knocking out former 145lbs king Max Holloway at UFC 308.
That stunning win proved to be Topuria’s last in the weight class as White announced this week he’ll be moving up to lightweight.
And fans are convinced he’ll be facing Makhachev, who became 155lbs champion in October 2022 with a second-round submission of then-titleholder Charles Oliveira, next.
Makhachev, the protege of the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov, hasn’t shown any sign of relinquishing the throne any time soon, racking up four straight title defences.
A POPULAR restaurant has been forced to close down after just two years – as the owner slams Rachel Reeves Budget.
Loyal diners were disappointed to hear the popular venue in, Christchurch, Dorset, was shutting permanently.
The beloved La Mamma was taken over by James Roberts in 2022 but blasted “everything has gone to pot” ever since Rachel Reeves’ budget.
He told the Echo: “In addition to the budget, the cost of ingredients has soared and we are dealing with a Grade II listed building that leaks like a sieve.
“People’s spending habits have significantly changed so it’s been the perfect storm that has led to this.
“They would rather buy a pizza from Sainsbury’s and sit on the sofa with a can of lager.
“But all of this stems from Labour and Rachel Reeves’ budget. Everything has just gone to pot since then.”
La Mamma was originally based at a different location, but James and his team moved it to take over a pub near by.
He said after pouring a “significant” amount of funds into the transformation, they still haven’t been able to recoup the money.
And, they faced another blow last year when the festive period didn’t come through with the cash influx they’d hoped for.
But James continued to back his pride and joy, hailing their menu that “people love”.
Unfortunately, the owner said despite doing all they could, there’s no “magic wand” to solve their financial problems.
James said he is working tirelessly to find a way to keep his business and staff employed in future ventures.
This comes as the hospitality industry is witnessing even top celebrity chefs struggle to keep operations running.
Just yesterday The Sun reported a private chef to royals and billionaires abruptly shut down a famed UK restaurant after just six months.
Fans were stunned by the announcement that the Unagi chain would be closing one of their popular venues.
Their location on the Salford Quays, in Manchester, informed customers of the move this week.
Elsewhere, the creator of a Michelin-backed restaurant has confirmed a devastating closure after 14 years.
Loyal diners were disappointed to hear one of their favourite family-run venues was shutting down forever.
And, just last week The Sun reported a BBC star and Gordon Ramsay protege was compelled to close another venue after “vowing to do it right” this time.
Similar scenes unfolded when one chef suddenly shut down two Michelin-hailed restaurants without warning as fans cried “I thought they’d go on forever”.
Meanwhile, The Sun has compiled a full list of celeb TV chefs that shut down Michelin-hailed restaurants last year – including a BBC MasterChef judge.
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.